How Pseudo-Intellectualism Ruined Journalism

I started as an editor at Persuasion a little over a year ago. The feeling I had about Persuasion then is the same feeling I have now: that this is a jewel and, to some extent, a well-kept secret. At a time when deficits of the media are glaringly obvious—a dearth of thoughtful international coverage; a tendency towards ideologically-bound “spin”—Persuasion tries extraordinarily hard to elevate the conversation. We run sharp, analytical pieces on Guatemala, China, Indonesia, Armenia—you name it. And we are committed to publishing thinkers who are able to get outside the point-counterpoint of so much media discourse and to take a broader view—like in our forthcoming series on liberalism or in today’s piece by the great critic William Deresiewicz. 

All of this requires a tremendous amount of work—more than you might imagine—and we do need your support. We spend a great deal of time commissioning, revising, scouring the web for new writers, and engaging in the lost art of fact-checking. In the end, all of it relies on your generosity, so if you enjoy Persuasion—and its unique blend of international coverage, iconoclastic analysis, and outside-of-the-talking-points commentary—then please do consider giving. A paid subscription gets you access to events online and in person as well as the ability to leave comments on articles. It also makes you a key part of what is being built here: a community dedicated to taking in the world in a thoughtful, far-reaching way. 

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